Sinners and Saints

Gambling Games

Red and black is played with two decks of cards. The objective for each player is to determine whether he will hold more red or more black cards in his hand.

Hazard is played with three dice thrown from a cup. Players bet on the total number thrown.

Monte (card pictured at left) involves a player trying to bet on the layout card or cards that will be the first to be matched in play.

Faro is conducted on a table upon which 13 cards (a complete suit from ace to king) have been set up. The dealer pulls out cards from a deck. Players win according to which card is pulled in relation to the bets placed on the cards on the table. An abacus, or case keeper, keeps track of the bets.

Keno is similar to bingo. Numbered balls are dropped from a wooden "bird" and called out. Players match the numbers read to those on cards they have purchased at the door. A master board holds all the numbered balls that have been called.

The roulette wheel's steady whirring sound has always drawn gamblers. Unlike more fast-paced games, the roulette wheel makes several revolutions before stopping, building the player's suspense.

Slot machines almost replaced the professional gamblers or dealers of the 19th century. The slot machine is a solitary game; the patron plays against the machine and not other players. Most slot machines are operated by inserting a coin and then pushing a lever. Players usually receive their winnings directly from the machine.